Save Energy, Save Pennies

25 Jan Save Energy, Save Pennies

Here are a few things you can do right now with minimal cost and effort:

Turn off the lights and install a programmable thermostat to set the temp of your house to go up when you’re not at home. Utilize fans and open doors and windows for cross breezes in the mornings and evenings (just be sure your AC is off before you leave any door or window open!)

Buy a few surge protectors and plug any high energy consuming electronics, like your TV and gaming consoles, into it and then when you’re not using them turn the power strip off! When your electronics are plugged in to a regular wall outlet and turned off they still pull electrical currents, with a power strip/surge protector you can control the electrical current with the flip of a switch.

Replace any incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. While LEDs are more expensive, their lifetime is over 40 times longer compared to a regular incandescent bulb, the initial cost of LEDs combined with their power saving will more than make up for their cost.

Inspect and replace any old and cracking caulking or weather stripping on all windows and exterior doors to ensure a tight seal. If your windows and doors are not properly sealed, its can be like leaving a window open, which makes your AC unit work harder upping your electric bill.

Add tinting or UV blocking film to your windows to block hot afternoon sun. Or simply hang some heavy curtains in the rooms that get the most afternoon sun and keep them pulled to keep the inside cool.

These are some more expensive options, which come with higher savings:

Seal the ducting throughout your house to help your AC and HVAC run more efficiently by preventing air from escaping into unwanted parts of your home (i.e. your floor, attic and crawlspaces).

Add insulation in your attic and additional venting to keep hot air from getting trapped and stagnant. Also running your attic fan or having one installed will help keep the circulation going.